Source: MyMedlinePlus.gov
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. A good place to start is by learning more about the cardiovascular system.
Preventing Heart Disease: Know Your Risk Factors
There are many things that can raise your risk for heart disease. These are called risk factors.
Heart disease risk factors that you cannot change include:
- Age
- Gender
- Race or ethnicity
- Family history
Make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease, such as:
- Watch your weight
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
- Get active and eat healthy
Heart Health Tests
Blood pressure and blood tests, such as cholesterol level, and other heart health tests can help find heart diseases or identify problems that can lead to heart diseases. There are several different types of heart health tests. Your doctor will decide which test or tests you need, based on your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.
Heart Disease in Women
In the United States, 1 in 4 women dies from heart disease. The older a woman gets, the more likely she is to get heart disease. But women of all ages should be concerned about heart disease. All women can take steps to prevent it by practicing healthy lifestyle habits.
What Are the Symptoms for Heart Attack in Women?
If you were having a heart attack, would you recognize the symptoms? Women can experience different heart attack symptoms than men. Know the symptoms of a heart attack in women.
A Heart-healthy Diet: What’s on Your Plate?
A healthy diet is a major factor in reducing your risk for heart disease but eating healthy doesn’t have to mean dieting or giving up your favorite foods completely. Try these tips:
- Include fruits and vegetables at every meal or snack
- Choose healthy proteins
- Cut down on sugar
- Know the facts on fats
If you have a heart condition, such as heart failure, or other health problems, such as diabetes, you should talk with your health care provider about what type of diet is best for you.
